Stretched canvas

Canvas is typically stretched across a wooden frame and commonly coated with gesso before it is used. This is to prevent oil paint from coming in direct contact with the canvas fibers, which will eventually cause the canvas to decay.
As the commonly used medium is oil or acrylic, these frames will be fitted into the frame without sealing on the back of the portrait as it needs to breathe. Fixing to the frame will be done with offset or canvas clips. Only the back edges of the canvas and frame will be covered with none corrosive material.

Panel canvas

Panel canvas is the most historic way of carrying the paint medium. This was replaced by canvas as a popular carrying medium as early as the year 1410. Modern panel is not a treated wood but was replaced by processed wood commonly known as hard board.
The medium in this instance is the same as stretched canvas. As the board supports the paint, there is no need for the paint to breath and the back of this type of art work will be covered completely. The painting is placed into the back of the frame, the rabbit, and kept in place by pins inserted into the frame.

Water, Charcoal, Pencil and Ink

Due to the sensitive nature of these art works it is recommended to have the painting framed as soon as possible. For this instance preservative framing is at the order of the day. Only acid free matte board is used to create the finishing touches. The matte does not only serve to keep the focus on the painting, but also separate the painting from the glass and allow for the circulation of air around the painting thus preventing damage due to moisture. Ultraviolet protective glass is used to protect it against fading. The back of the framed painting must sealed properly to prevent foreign objects to get to the painting.

Prints

Prints are mounted onto a mount board bigger than the print. This action stops the print from sliding around in the frame once the chosen matte is imposed on to the print. Although not as sensitive as watercolor or charcoal artworks, it still is recommended to use preservative framing as the print also is sensitive to ultraviolet light and moisture.

Boxing

You can build a box frame to highlight a memorable event or as a special three-dimensional (3D) piece of art or object. Box framing is also known as shadow boxing. Perhaps you may wish to have a shirt or a medal framed for someone as a gift. Box framing gives you the opportunity to have many things on display which ordinarily would be put away in a drawer so that they do not get damaged.

Because a shadow box is little more than a box or a shelf with a frame around it and often has a protective piece of glass on the front, it is easy to make and the design can match your decor.

Certificates

Today, there is a very fast-paced competitive environment in the business world. This is much more apparent in an office environment. Some staff members will always try to do better, get promoted and get ahead in their career. Because of this fiercely competitive environment, the employers are seeking various credentials when hiring or promoting an employee. That is why a degree is imperative when applying for a good job in a reputed company.


Diploma frames are fitted with glass on the front. The glass is raised off the surface of the paper by a matte. The reason for this is that if the glass touches the media inside, any condensation inside the glass will be transferred onto the media.

Desktop and wall photographs

Framing is more than what you do with your photos! It is a powerful composition technique. Careful framing of your photo can make a dramatic difference and add an interesting element to the shot.

The same techniques are used in picture framing as print framing.

Hunting memorabilia

The pride felt by hunters is not easily displayed and not all have the space or the passion for work from the taxidermist. In this piece we were given full mandate to create a stylish piece for the client’s entertainment area.

A boxed frame with matte finish was used with a wooden frame and for the back decor a treated warthog skin was used.

Antique memorabilia

An antique christening dress with photograph was entrusted to our care to not only preserve but also to create a perfect birthday present to the woman on the photograph.

The dress and photograph, dating back to 1939, were preserved in a boxed frame with matte finish and clear UV protective glass. The photograph was elevated from the dress to ensure focus.

Restorations

The team was commissioned by one of our clients to restore this oil on panel canvas by a well known painter.

After a time consuming cleaning process the piece was framed with antique finish wooden frame.

Wedding photographs

An exclusive wedding mirrored the client’s stylish life style.

Creating a frame for these exquisite photographs was no small quest. The outcome was a double combo frame with matt finish and UV protective glass.

Current artist

This artwork was created by a well known artist and the client was referred to Arto Martha for framing.

“Sunset”, oil on canvas, was finished with a double combo frame to encapsulate the tranquility of the painting.

Upcoming artist

“Lilly’s on green”, acrylic on canvas, was painted by a young and upcoming artist.

The frame was carefully chosen by the artist to serve not only as a frame but as a part of the artwork.